Folding lunch box



May 12, 1925.

W. J. GASSETT FOLDING LUNCH BOX Filed Dec; 5. 1923 2 Sheets-Shet 1 W. J. GASSETT FOLDING LUNCH BOX Filed Dec. 5. 1923 2 Shets-Sheet 2 Patented May 12, 1925.

WILLIAM JOSEPH GASSETT, OF \VAYCROSS, GEORGIA.

FOLDING LUNCH BOX.

Application filed December 5, 1923. Serial No. 678,620.

To all whom it may concern.

Be it known that I, WILLIAM JOSE-PH Gassn'rr, a resident of VVaycross, in the county of Ware and State of Georgia, a citizen of'the United States, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Folding Lunch Boxes, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in folding lunch boxes, and one object of my invention is the provision of a box of this character which can be unfolded or opened to provide a convenient and handy box for lunch or other purposes, and which can be instantly collapsed or folded to occupy a very small space to be easily carried in the pocket if desired.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a box of the character mentioned which will be of simple and durable construction but light in weight; which can be made at a low price and which will prove useful, desirable and practical.

\Vith these objects in view my invention consists of a folding or collapsible box embodying novel features of construction and combination of parts substantially as shown, described and claimed herein.

In order that the detailed construction and operation of my folding box may be fully understood and its many advantages be appreciated I have shown in the accompanying drawings a box structure embodying my invention, and in said drawings:

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of the complete box in open or condition for service.

Figure 2 represents a perspective view of the box in unfolded position to illustrate details of construction.

Figure 3 represents a perspective view of the means for looking or securing the cover on the box or container of my Invention.

Figure 4 represents a detail View showing the manner of constructing one of the guides for the locking means and attachment to the cover member, and

Figure 5 represents a side view of the box in closed or folded position.

Figure 6 represents a modification of the cover of my box shown in perspective.

Figures 7 and 8 are detail views of a fastening for cover.

The folding box constructed according to my invention is composed of a box or container member and a cover or lid member of the desired size, the box member being composed of the bottom portion A, provided with vertical end flanges B,'to which is hinged at C, the ends I), which are formed with the vertical cleats E, which when the box is in condition for use receive and retain the edges F, of the sides G, thus making the complete box or container.

The box or container thus formed receives the surrounding flange H, of the cover or lid J, which is provided with slots K, to receive the lips L, on the guides M, thus securing the guides rigidly to the top or lid of the box, and in said guides at one edge is retained the ends of the carrying bail or handle N.

The guides for the handle also serve as guides for the pair of locking members 0, which are further retained and guided by the loops P, secured to the cover near each end, said locking members having the latching hooks 0 at their outer ends which straddle the flange of the cover and are forced into engagement with the openings Q, in the ends of the box for locking the lid or cover on the box member, said locking members 0, having their inner free ends formed with angled portions 0 forming handles, and having their terminals 0 formed with stops or limiting portions 0, as most clearly shown in Figure 3, the locking members thus having a sliding movement with reference to each other and being retained in proper relation and position by the coiled spring R, and being held and guided properly by the guiding eye or loop S, as most clearly shown in Figures 1 and 3.

From the foregoing description taken in 7 connection with the drawings it will be understood that I provide a box for carrying lunch, or for any purpose in fact where such a box would prove useful, and that the box can be easily unfolded and the lid fitted and that the locking means will hold such lid in place and that when not in use the box can be easily folded or collapsed and the lid fitted to receive the box portion and make a small package, shown in Figure 5, which can be readily carried in the pocket.

It will also be understood that the box can be made of any suitable material and of any size or capacity and may be made and sold at a low price thus possessing all the requisites to insure a useful, efficient and practical folding box.

In the modified form of cover shown in Figure 6 the ordinary bail handle Nhis the box, which consists of the flat spring T,

having the lug: U, which engagesan opening V, andsecures the cover to the box.

I claim:

1. A folding or collapsible box, consisting of a 'box or container member, alid or -cover adapted to fit on said container member, and locking means carried by the cover 'for securingthe container member in open or folded positions, said lockingmeans consisting of a pair of arms having latching} hooks at their outer ends, bent guiding po'r tions at theirinner ends formed with ban dies and a spring-mounted upon said' guiding portions to effect locking of tl'1esaid hooks.

2. A folding -or collapsible box, consist ing of a box or container'membercom posed of arbottom and hinged ends and sides, said ends having means to engage'and retain said sides, a covermember fitting on said container member, sliding locking means mounted on the cover and engaging the container member and formed with bonds providing handles for moving said locking means and a spring mounted adjacent said handles of'the locking means to secure the same in locked position.

3. A folding or collapsible box, consisting of a box or container member, comprising bottom, sides ande-nds hinged in proper relation, a"cover having a flange to fit upon said container member and to receive said container memberwhen folded, a pair of sliding locking members mounted and guided on the cover having hooks to engage the ends of the container to secure said container and cover in-proper relation, handles formed at'the inner ends of said locking members, and'a spring associated with said members and-arranged adjacent the handles thereof for retaining them in proper position.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aflix my signature.

WILLIAM JOSEPH GAssETr. 

